IB History Paper 1: Japanese Expansionism Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to Japanese expansionism and the historical context of nationalism and militarism in Japan.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often in opposition to globalism or foreign influence.

Militarism

A belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war and the influence of military power on politics.

Meiji Restoration

The period from 1868 when Japan transitioned from feudal rule under the shogunate to imperial rule, leading to modernization and industrialization.

Sino-Japanese War

A conflict between China and Japan (1894-1895) that resulted in Japan's victory and established it as an emerging world power.

Triple Intervention

The diplomatic response of Germany, Russia, and France to Japan's victory in the First Sino-Japanese War that forced Japan to give up territory it had gained.

Russo-Japanese War

A conflict (1904-1905) in which Japan defeated Russia, marking Japan's emergence as a major world power.

Washington Naval Treaty

A 1922 agreement aimed at naval disarmament and preventing arms race between major world powers.

Shidehara Diplomacy

Japan's foreign policy in the 1920s focusing on peaceful cooperation and internationalism.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929, leading Japan to seek self-sufficiency through territorial expansion.

Mukden Incident

A staged event in 1931 where the Kwantung Army of Japan blew up a railway and blamed the Chinese, leading to Japan's invasion of Manchuria.

Nanjing Massacre

A mass murder and war rape that occurred during the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, resulting in international outrage.

Tripartite Pact

The 1940 agreement between Japan, Germany, and Italy that established a military alliance during WWII.

League of Nations

An intergovernmental organization founded after WWI, aimed at promoting peace, which ultimately failed to act against aggression.

Stimson Doctrine

A U.S. policy of non-recognition of territorial changes made by force, particularly in relation to Japan's actions in China.

Pearl Harbor

A surprise military strike by the Japanese Navy against the United States on December 7, 1941, leading to the U.S. entering WWII.